It's Called A Point of View... Not The Truth.

Friday, March 27, 2009

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”~Charles Swindoll

Life is always going to throw you curve balls, always. People are going to like you, people are going to hate you, you can run yourself in circles trying to please everybody. It's never going to get you anywhere in life.

There have been countless times where people have hurt, disappointed, agitated, pissed me off etc. I used to worry about such things, eventually, and I don't know what happened. I think something in me snapped and I got tired of feeling like I was under the control of other people. Some people would say jump and I was plead with how high? I think it was in 2005 something began to snap and in 2006 I finally said, "To hell with these people. Wish them the best, but you're gonna run my dry trying to appease you."

What these people were doing to me was 10% of my problem, how I was allowing it to trigger reactions in me was 90% of my problem. As the old saying goes... we're our own worst enemy.

Once I learned this my sympathy meter began to dwindle towards certain things. I'm not heartless by any means. But if you've done something insanely stupid, knowing it was stupid don't cry/complain to me about it. I'll pat you on the back and tell you to suck it up and deal with it. Kinda like the whole "You made your bed, now sleep in it" kind of thing.

.... maybe I'm just not that nice of a person. I'm well aware of this. I'd do just about anything for my friends, but I'm not going to encourage destructive behavior.

Eight Easy Ways to Spot an Emotional Manipulator -

Emotional manipulators get extra marks for subtlety. A patronizing, mind-fucker can bend and twist and warp but somehow after a period of time they set off the ol’ bullshit meter. An emotional manipulator is smoother. You’ll have to adjust the sensitivity of your bullshit meter to escape unscathed. What is emotional manipulation? Well, emotional manipulation is a method of using words, body language and behavior for the purposes of provoking a particular reaction, getting a desired response or to just plain ol’ screw you over. If the emotional blackmailer is any good, he’ll having you offering to bend over and be fucked one more time, "anything you want dear." Lets talk about how an emotional manipulator works and how to recognize the game (because it very much IS a game) so you can reset that bullshit meter and safeguard against possible attack.

There is no use in trying to be honest with an emotional manipulator. You make a statement and it will be turned around. Example: I am really angry that you forgot my birthday. Response - "It makes me feel sad that you would think I would forget your birthday, I should have told you of the great personal stress I am facing at the moment - but you see I didn’t want to trouble you. You are right I should have put all this pain (don’t be surprised to see real tears at this point) aside and focused on your birthday. Sorry." Even as you are hearing the words you get the creeped out sensation that they really do NOT mean they are sorry at all - but since they’ve said the words you’re pretty much left with nothing more to say. Either that or you suddenly find yourself babysitting their angst!! Under all circumstances if you feel this angle is being played - don’t capitulate! Do not care take - do not accept an apology that feels like bullshit. If it feels like bullshit - it probably is. Rule number one - if dealing with an emotional blackmailer TRUST your gut. TRUST your senses. Once an emotional manipulator finds a successful maneuver - it’s added to their hit list and you’ll be fed a steady diet of this shit.

An emotional manipulator is the picture of a willing helper. If you ask them to do something they will almost always agree - that is IF they didn’t volunteer to do it first. Then when you say, "ok thanks" - they make a bunch of heavy sighs, or other non verbal signs that let you know they don’t really want to do whatever said thing happens to be. When you tell them it doesn’t seem like they want to do whatever - they will turn it around and try to make it seem like OF COURSE they wanted to and how unreasonable you are. This is a form of crazy making - which is something emotional manipulators are very good at. Rule number two - If an emotional manipulator said YES - make them accountable for it. Do NOT buy into the sighs and subtleties - if they don’t want to do it - make them tell you it up front - or just put on the walk-man headphones and run a bath and leave them to their theater.

Crazy making - saying one thing and later assuring you they did not say it.If you find yourself in a relationship where you figure you should start keeping a log of what’s been said because you are beginning to question your own sanity --You are experiencing emotional manipulation. An emotional manipulator is an expert in turning things around, rationalizing, justifying and explaining things away. They can lie so smoothly that you can sit looking at black and they’ll call it white - and argue so persuasively that you begin to doubt your very senses. Over a period of time this is so insidious and eroding it can literally alter your sense of reality. WARNING: Emotional Manipulation is VERY Dangerous! It is very disconcerting for an emotional manipulator if you begin carrying a pad of paper and a pen and making notations during conversations. Feel free to let them know you just are feeling so "forgetful" these days that you want to record their words for posterity’s sake. The damndest thing about this is that having to do such a thing is a clear example for why you should be seriously thinking about removing yourself from range in the first place. If you’re toting a notebook to safeguard yourself - that ol’ bullshit meter should be flashing steady by now!

Guilt. Emotional manipulators are excellent guilt mongers. They can make you feel guilty for speaking up or not speaking up, for being emotional or not being emotional enough, for giving and caring, or for not giving and caring enough. Any thing is fair game and open to guilt with an emotional manipulator. Emotional manipulators seldom express their needs or desires openly - they get what they want through emotional manipulation. Guilt is not the only form of this but it is a potent one. Most of us are pretty conditioned to do whatever is necessary to reduce our feelings of guilt. Another powerful emotion that is used is sympathy. An emotional manipulator is a great victim. They inspire a profound sense of needing to support, care for and nurture. Emotional Manipulators seldom fight their own fights or do their own dirty work. The crazy thing is that when you do it for them (which they will never ask directly for), they may just turn around and say they certainly didn’t want or expect you to do anything! Try to make a point of not fighting other people’s battles, or doing their dirty work for them. A great line is "I have every confidence in your ability to work this out on your own" - check out the response and note the bullshit meter once again.

Emotional manipulators fight dirty. They don’t deal with things directly. They will talk around behind your back and eventually put others in the position of telling you what they would not say themselves. They are passive aggressive, meaning they find subtle ways of letting you know they are not happy little campers. They’ll tell you what they think you want to hear and then do a bunch of jerk off shit to undermine it. Example: "Of course I want you to go back to school honey and you know I’ll support you." Then exam night you are sitting at the table and poker buddies show up, the kids are crying the t.v. blasting and the dog needs walking - all the while "Sweetie" is sitting on their ass looking at you blankly. Dare you call them on such behavior you are likely to hear, "well you can’t expect life to just stop because you have an exam can you honey?" Cry, scream or choke ‘em - only the last will have any long-term benefits and it’ll probably wind your butt in jail.

If you have a headache an emotional manipulator will have a brain tumor! No matter what your situation is the emotional manipulator has probably been there or is there now - but only ten times worse. It’s hard after a period of time to feel emotionally connected to an emotional manipulator because they have a way of de-railing conversations and putting the spotlight back on themselves. If you call them on this behavior they will likely become deeply wounded or very petulant and call you selfish - or claim that it is you who are always in the spotlight. The thing is that even tho you know this is not the case you are left with the impossible task of proving it. Don’t bother - TRUST your gut and walk away!

Emotional manipulators somehow have the ability to impact the emotional climate of those around them. When an emotional manipulator is sad or angry the very room thrums with it - it brings a deep instinctual response to find someway to equalize the emotional climate and the quickest route is by making the emotional manipulator feel better - fixing whatever is broken for them. Stick with this type of loser for too long and you will be so enmeshed and co-dependent you will forget you even have needs - let alone that you have just as much right to have your needs met.

Emotional manipulators have no sense of accountability. They take no responsibility for themselves or their behavior - it is always about what everyone else has "done to them". One of the easiest ways to spot an emotional manipulator is that they often attempt to establish intimacy through the early sharing of deeply personal information that is generally of the "hook-you-in-and-make-you-sorry-for-me" variety. Initially you may perceive this type of person as very sensitive, emotionally open and maybe a little vulnerable. Believe me when I say that an emotional manipulator is about as vulnerable as a rabid pit bull, and there will always be a problem or a crisis to overcome.

Some would say it is possible with time, a great deal of honesty and communication to work through emotional manipulation. Personally I think life is short and precious - the only worthwhile thing to do when confronted with an emotionally manipulative person is to BROOM THEIR ASS TO THE CURB! A Relationship with emotionally manipulative person is similar to re-exposing yourself over and over and over to a highly toxic and potentially fatal virus. Each brush with it reduces your immunity and weakens your defenses. It can take more time for someone that has been in an emotionally manipulative relationship (READ: ABUSE) to recover than it does for someone that leaves a physically abusive one. At least you can name that punch that hit you. Emotional abuse is subtle. It is insidious. It is dangerous. If you are in it - walk away and never look back. Make it a rule!

~~~

So there you have it. While it does use, um, colorful language, I think this is something that most - oh... everybody - needs to hear. If anything, it saves you a lot of bending over backwards to please people. Especially people like the kind stated above. Ugh... makes my skin crawl.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Many of you by now have heard of the huge scandal taking place in High Point concerning a youth pastor, a 14 year old and some not so great charges that continually seem to keep piling up. For a great part of this I have consciously remained silent for the mere fact of others feelings, I know some of the youth, I know many people who know this person, etc. etc.

But as time has passed and I have read and re-read comments, postings from news reporters across the nation (this story has hit CNN, MSN, etc. etc.) and since I am protected by amendment rights I am going to state my opinion now. If you don't like it, see the X button on the top right of your screen. Click it.

I am not going to stoop so low as to call this man a monster - maybe sincerely misguided, unaccounted for and sincerely stupid. But not a monster. I am well aware of the fact that people make mistakes, but here's the deal - he's 29, he married, TWO kids. She's 14, maybe in the 8/9th grade, she can't drive, JUST now probably going through puberty, and is no where near the emotional stability of handling relationships. More or less a relationship of this magnitude with an adult.

This dude, especially being a youth pastor should KNOW this. It should have crossed his mind, "HEY! I'm married and this isn't cool. Even if I wasn't married, this still isn't cool." There is a difference between a mistake and making the conscious decision to carry through something that one knows is wrong. This is something called pre-meditation. This is so many shades of wrong and it does make me sick to my stomach to think about it for so many reasons. For the girl, for the guy, for the families. It's just... the whole thing is so....... fucked.

It is sad. And I am very sure of God's grace and I'm sure it's in this and all that wonderful warm fuzzy feeling crap. Jesus had something to say about people who caused children to stumble: "If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a large millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned at the bottom of the sea. (Matthew 18:6)

The guy needs to bare his millstone. He NEEDS to take responsibility for his actions and I refuse to just dismiss it because he was a "great guy" I'm sure he was and still is; but that does not cover up for his actions. That does not give him a "get out of jail free" card. My heart breaks for the guy, the church, the guys family, the gal, the gal's family etc. It's a genuinely hard situation that quiet honestly shouldn't even be a reality, but it is.

The sad thing is I can count on 2 hands of the youth pastors that I know that have been caught up with getting too close to their teenagers - not neccessairly of this magnitude, but still. Guys, I swear on all that is holy, keep that damn thing in your pants. Keep your hands, your words and your mind off what IS NOT yours.

Again, I'm not saying these things in a spirit of hate or meanness; I am praying for all that is involved here. I know that it is much needed.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Every time I read that quote I feel a little more convicted every day about how I act, react, live. For the last few weeks I've been having some sort of a faith seeking quest adventure and most of the time it's anything but fun; mostly because I cannot find the words to say it.

I'm even more disappointed in myself that I haven't had the courage to say it because it's not the cliche thing to say.

I'm frustrated because the cliche thing to say or do, is no where in the Bible - but most of the population holds it as true.

This little adventure started back in September and it's been downhill ever since and I'd like to believe that as I sit here drinking my espresso truffle and the quiet of my office that I'm mustering the courage to rid myself of this weight that's on my back as heavy as the conviction that is piercing my heart, conscious and soul.

People often thing I have a problem with church. I don't. I think it's something sacred to be able to come together and worship a God worthy of our praise. I have a problem with the attitude of the church as a whole (not all churches, but a good majority. And note I'm using little "c") I cannot stand that it's become more of a institution than anything and it's more about being politically correct.

Going to church should be easy; being politically correct is a pain in the ass.

Now bear with me as I trudge through this dilemma in my life. I am thankful for leaders in the church; for people who feel called to lead and give advice and shed some light on the word of God. Some would call these pastors, fine. I don't like the phrase, mostly because "pastor" is not found in the Bible. Teacher is, not pastor. So when people say they're called to be a "pastor" I really listen to what they are saying to see if what they really mean is teacher. You'd be surprised how many "feel" like they're being "called" to an ideal.

That is just a minute example. The word "church" isn't in the Bible either; neither is "personal relationship" nor "trinity." I'm not saying all these things are bad, they are our feeble attempts at trying to understand God. But they are not the end all.

I guess the bottom line of it all is that I feel like there's too much agenda's in the church. Personal agenda's. That's why I take a huge discretion with people on boards; I wonder what agenda is being pushed not "Wow! They're amazing people!" (I'm generally not too impressed with boards either and couldn't care less if you serve on one. ) Why? Because I've seen people kiss ass and throw money around to get God's their way. So naturally, I'm hesitant.

I'm also fearful of our faith becoming an "emotional" experience. I find more praise in the silence of a lonely night when someone is hanging on by a thread but they're crying out to God than I do with a band. Now, before I'm stoned to death, let me elaborate. I'm not saying praise and worship is horrible or bad or unnecessary - but getting too caught up in it, for the wrong reasons, is. Making sure the lights are just right, the perfect band, advertising the band, etc. Personally I think that people who are musically gifted and lead praise and worship should be hidden or off to the side - better- done in the dark so no one can see anything and I think it would keep ego's in check. But that's just my opinion. The reason why I'm fearful of it becoming an "emotional" experience is because then it become more of "What am I getting out of this?" This is why there's always been debates over traditional versus the contemporary. Again, I'm not saying having a band or being able to sing is a bad thing; people who can do these are very valuable to the church because of their talent (no, its not a spiritual gift). But like with anything God gifts you with - be careful how you use it and the attitude in which you use it.

The other day I was driving down Wendover and passed a rather prominent Christian Academy who had a new gym and on the gym, in BIG letters was the name of the person who donated the money for the gym. My hair bristled for two reasons, first, the guy who donated the money is my great uncle and an ass hole who is the farthest thing from devout. The second was "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." (Matthew 6: 1,2 HA! Even quoted it in the KJV since this school is devoutely Bob Jones Worshipers! TAKE THAT!) I have the same issue with churches (-coughwestovercough-) that seem to flaunt money. Kind of pissses me off when a church is state of the art... I just kind of loose the sacred feel of it all that I'm on holy ground.

The early body of believers didn't have what we have today; and I sometimes wonder if maybe it's us that are missing out. We tend to Americanize our faith and take for granted the privileges we have here. We can have our Bibles and worship the way we want without persecution. Back in the day, only a few people could read and there was no "Bible" (Torah - yes, Bible - no.) They were letters from the disciples and from the apostle Paul encouraging one another, and declaring the very thing Jesus told them to declare and showing the very thing Jesus wanted them to show. They declared Jesus was God and the loved. Dearly. They met in each others houses and all were present from the children, to the slaves, to the women. There was no choir. No pastor. No pews. No youth ministry. No children's ministry. They were weary, confused, bewildered, doubting and fearful - but they hung on every word because of what God was doing. And these small little pockets of people who were striving to know their Maker, changed their communities.

In Romans it tell us that they sold everything and lived as a community and helped others in need.

I would love for there to be no need for budgets for multi-million dollar churches. We don't need them. Those aren't the power to reach people; I mean really deep down meet their need. We don't need a thousand different ministries, I'm sure their good to have - but if you don't have love; what good is it? When was the last time you looked at the brat of a child who you can't stand to teach and realize God loves them as much as He loves you? Or saw the miracle in the unwed mother choosing life, and chose to help her instead of accosting her? Or invited the gay couple over for dinner and simply loving them without an agenda? Because the bottom line is, we're all sinners and while we should be intolerant of sin, we should not be intolerant of people. Sometimes busying ourselves is slang for not having to be accountable or stepping out of the comfort zones.

And it is with mighty courage and a weary hand that I finish this; but with a lighter heart.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

By nature I'm not one of those people that tend to go bending over backwards to blow sunshine up people's tookishes, so I feel like an introduction to the insanity known as my thought process, convictions and morale is necessary, lest someone think I'm being a cold hearted bia bia.... and some days I can be, but only if I'm poked with a stick or caffeine depraved. -wink-

For people who have known me before college I'm known as Meagan, but it seems like no one can neither spell my name nor pronounce it, so by the time college rolled around I shortened it to Meg. Easier to spell, easier to say. Call me Meagan or Meg, I answer to both. Call me Ms. Fields and you'll get a funny look. That would be my mother, not me.

I drink beer with my pizza and hamburgers and have no conviction about it. If you're from the Baptist, Wesleyan, Methodist, Nazarene, United Methodist.... if you're from the Bible belt, this is a problem. So let me restate my conviction, I don't have an issue with having a beer or a glass of wine with dinner, I'm even a fan of cocktail parties. I do have an issue with drunkeness. For religious purposes as well as it's just not attractive being a sloppy drunk. I tend to also be a fan of common sense... never drink and drive and never leave your drink unattended.

I have a boyfriend whom I absolutely adore and love, his name is Justin. We argue and yell at each other sometimes but we've been through hell and back with and for each other, we can handle an argument. The facts he's had the pair to stick it out with me and not leave at the first sign of issue or argument and he's kept me in check and challenges and pushes me to be better and love harder. I could go through the whole "I love him for this reason and that reason..." but eventually some of those things could fade and the what? I love him less? Yes, I love his personality and his sense of humor and his strength - I love a lot of qualities in Justin. But I love Justin. It's not a fleeting feeling or a cloud nine feeling (trust me, that passed). I've known the boy for forever, he's my best friend and I'm really, really glad he's by my side. I'm glad I can tackle life's battles with him and live day to day with him in my life, being a very active role within it. We've been together for almost three years, don't ask us when we're getting married. We'll get there when we get there. :-P

I blog about anything from politics to religion, but mostly religion so I should state, quiet firmly, I'm a Christian and I say that with sincerity. I'm not going to tell you how to dress, act, or even pray. I'm blunt in my thoughts and views and it's to come across as a hard ass or mean, I just hate it when people jump around the bush. I can't stand it when doctrine and theology are law in a church.... and the term "membership" sounds too elite for my liking. You'll learn more about this as I blog, right now just understand instiutionalized things and I don't get along, so I agree to disagree.

At any rate, I enjoy the winter and fall and my house is decorated for Christmas before Thanksgiving. The reflection behind me in the window is my Christmas tree :-) I have three dogs, a bearded dragon and a tortise. I live in two bedroom two bathroom condo and people are forever in it. I'm forever cooking and I love baking. I work in demolition and asbestos (woot woot) and my bathtub is my favorite thing in my house. I love sweet tea, Dr. Pepper and Red Oak or Sam Adams Cherry Wheat. I'm a natural blond, but the farthest thing from dumb; I have blue eyes and I'm fine with not being a size 00. I like my size 9/10 because I have curves and it's kickin. I read alot and I'm worth nothing to anyone before a cup of coffee. My life is beautiful, even with the ups and downs.

And I really, really like the x-box and killing zombie's. Seriously, I'm getting ready to go do that now.... if you have an account add me: Virulent Femme

Blog Archive

About Me

I've become a sarcastic over the years; and you'll love me for it. Cloves make me happy. Beer and pizza are my weakness. I'm a cynic when it comes to romance.... But I'm not a cynic when it comes to love. Me wanting to get married is like going on a roller coaster, drunk and blind folded.
I'm usually unapologetic about how I think, feel and say. Trust me, I lived for years being apologetic to everyone and for everything. I'm over it.
I think it's endearing when people laugh when they cry.
I can't make decisions easily... that's why there's 5 different ben and jerry's flavor's in my fridge.I bought a home before I could buy alcohol.
I hate doing the dishes. Hate it. They rock. I don't do purses or shoes.... I do underwear. Seriously. (mostly because my pit bull eats them) I'm a Christian but I can't stand organized religion. I don't eat the yellow skittles. Ever. I drive with my windows down, even in the winter. Not a cuddler. Maybe for like five minutes, then I'm like..."OMG Get off!!!" I'm not jaded. Life's just gotta be dealt with sarcastically or we'll all go mad.